Cholera Cases Decline Following Coordinated Multi-Sectoral Response – Dr. Pollen
By Anthony Chomba,
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, working through Local Authorities countrywide, has recorded a significant reduction in cholera cases following the sustained implementation of a coordinated multi-sectoral response.
Permanent Secretary for Administration, Dr. Gabriel Pollen, says the Ministry, in collaboration with other line ministries and key stakeholders, continues to strengthen interventions aimed at preventing cholera outbreaks, particularly in high-risk communities.
Speaking in Lusaka, Dr. Pollen explained that the response includes improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, routine disinfection of pit latrines, removal of historical waste, intensified disease surveillance, and community-based cholera vaccination campaigns.
He noted that Local Authorities have stepped up monitoring in cholera-prone townships and are enforcing public health and sanitation regulations in markets, bus stations, central business districts, high-density settlements and food premises.
Dr. Pollen further disclosed that drainage clearing and construction works have been intensified to prevent blockages, stagnant water and flooding, which are major contributors to cholera transmission.
